A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at sunrise July 5 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40 on a Starlink mission carrying 29 satellites. The launch marked the start of what could be another record year for the Space Coast, which ended 2025 with 109 orbital launches — the highest total in the region’s history. SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, and Blue Origin all contributed to the tally, with NASA’s Artemis II mission expected to add to the count in 2026.
The Space Coast’s 2025 total included 83 launches from Cape Canaveral and 26 from Kennedy Space Center. SpaceX alone conducted 101 missions, mostly using its Falcon 9 rocket, while ULA launched six times and Blue Origin twice. Four human spaceflights occurred last year, including SpaceX’s Crew-10 and Crew-11 missions, Axiom Space’s Ax-4 flight, and NASA’s Crew-12. The numbers reflect a growing role for the region in commercial and government space operations.
In 2026, the Space Coast is on track for 45 orbital launches, with 43 expected from Cape Canaveral and two from Kennedy Space Center. SpaceX will conduct 38 missions, including 37 Falcon 9 launches and one Falcon Heavy flight. ULA plans five launches — four on Atlas V and one on its new Vulcan rocket — while Blue Origin aims for one flight with its New Glenn rocket on the NG-3 mission. NASA’s Artemis II mission, which will carry astronauts around the moon, is also scheduled for 2026. The year will include two human spaceflights: SpaceX’s Crew-12 and Artemis II.
The Space Coast’s launch activity has steadily increased since 2023, when 72 missions were recorded, and 2024’s total of 93. This year’s pace shows no sign of slowing, with details on upcoming launches available through official tracking sources. Residents and visitors can expect frequent rocket sightings over Brevard County as the region remains a hub for space exploration and innovation.